Best Way to Remove Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

Removing wallpaper can seem daunting, especially if you’re dealing with old or stubborn layers. However, with the right tools, techniques, and patience, achieving a smooth, clean wall ready for a fresh coat of paint or a new wallpaper is possible. This guide will walk you through the best methods for removing wallpaper, ensuring the process is as efficient and mess-free as possible.

Wallpaper can be a great way to add character and style to any room, but removing it becomes necessary when it starts to peel or when your tastes change. Stipping wallpaper can evoke dread for homeowners, often due to horror stories of damaged walls, hours of labor, and sticky residue left behind. But with careful preparation and the right approach, you can make this process straightforward. Whether you’re planning a room makeover or restoring a space to its original state, learning the best way to remove wallpaper is a skill worth mastering.

In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wallpaper removal, including important tools, techniques, and tips to ensure you complete the job with minimal hassle and a professional finish.

1. Assess Your Wallpaper Type

Before diving into the removal process, the first step is determining the type of wallpaper you’re dealing with. Not all wallpaper is created equal; some types are easier to remove than others. Here are the most common varieties:

• Peelable Wallpaper: This type has a top layer that easily peels off, leaving behind a thin paper backing on the wall. The backing usually requires a bit more work to remove.

• Vinyl Wallpaper: This wallpaper has a plastic coating, making it durable and water-resistant. However, it also means it can be more difficult to remove without special techniques.

• Traditional Wallpaper: The older types of wallpaper are often fully adhered to the wall and can require more labor to strip away.

• Strippable Wallpaper: As the name suggests, strippable wallpaper is designed to come off easily, usually in large pieces, without damaging the wall underneath.

Understanding the type of wallpaper you’re dealing with will help determine the best method for your specific situation.

2. Prepare the Room

Preparation is key to an efficient and clean wallpaper removal process. It’s essential to take some time to get the room ready before you start stripping the walls. Follow these steps:

• Remove Furniture: Clear as much furniture as possible from the room. For larger items that can’t be moved, cover them with plastic sheets or drop cloths to protect them from dust and moisture.

• Turn Off Power: Since you’ll be working with water and potentially steam, turn off the power to the room to avoid any electrical hazards. Remove switch plates and outlet covers as well.

• Protect the Floor: Lay down plastic sheets or drop cloths to catch falling debris and water. This will also make cleanup much easier once the wallpaper is removed.

• Gather Your Tools: Depending on the method you choose, gather essential tools such as a wallpaper scoring tool, putty knife, spray bottle, sponge, bucket, wallpaper steamer, and wallpaper stripper solution.

Having everything ready ensures you can tackle the removal process efficiently without stopping to search for materials.

3. Choose Your Removal Method

There are several techniques for removing wallpaper, and the method you choose largely depends on the type of wallpaper and how it was applied. Below are the three most effective methods for wallpaper removal.

Method 1: Dry Stripping (For Strippable Wallpaper)

If your wallpaper is relatively new or specifically designed to be easily removable, you may be able to strip it without the need for water or chemicals. Follow these steps:

1. Start at a Corner: Use a putty knife or your fingernail to lift a corner of the wallpaper from the wall.

2. Peel Slowly: Gently pull the wallpaper away from the wall at a 45-degree angle. If the wallpaper starts to tear, move to another section.

3. Remove Residue: After peeling, you may be left with adhesive residue. Clean it with a damp sponge and mild soap.

This method is the least labor-intensive but only works with newer, strippable wallpaper.

Method 2: Water and Scraper (For Traditional and Peelable Wallpaper)

For traditional or peelable wallpaper, a water-based approach is often the most effective. You’ll need a scoring tool, spray bottle, and scraper for this method.

1. Score the Wallpaper: Use a wallpaper scoring tool to gently create small holes in the paper. This will allow water to penetrate the adhesive.

2. Apply Warm Water: Fill a spray bottle with warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap. Spray the water onto the wallpaper, focusing on the scored areas. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes.

3. Scrape the Wallpaper: Once the water has loosened the adhesive, use a putty knife to gently scrape the wallpaper away. Work slowly to avoid damaging the wall underneath.

4. Remove Residue: After all the paper has been removed, wipe down the wall with a damp sponge to remove any leftover adhesive.

This method is effective for most wallpaper types, although it may take some time and elbow grease for large or stubborn areas.

Method 3: Wallpaper Steamer (For Stubborn or Vinyl Wallpaper)

Vinyl or extremely old wallpaper often requires more aggressive methods, and a wallpaper steamer can be a game-changer in these situations. Steamers are available for rent or purchase and are highly effective for breaking down tough adhesives.

1. Score the Wallpaper: As with the water method, start by scoring the wallpaper to allow the steam to penetrate.

2. Steam Section by Section: Hold the steamer plate against the wall for about 10-15 seconds at a time, allowing the heat and moisture to break down the adhesive.

3. Scrape the Wallpaper: After steaming, use a scraper to peel the wallpaper off the wall. Be cautious to avoid damaging the drywall underneath.

4. Wipe the Wall: Use a sponge to clean the wall after the wallpaper is removed. Make sure the wall is completely dry before applying new wallpaper or paint.

Steaming is often the most effective method for difficult wallpaper, but it requires patience and care to avoid damaging the underlying wall.

4. Post-removal cleaning and Repairs

Once the wallpaper is removed, your job isn’t quite done yet. The final step in the wallpaper removal process involves cleaning and repairing the walls to ensure they’re in optimal condition for painting or re-wallpapering.

• Remove Adhesive: After stripping the wallpaper, there may be some adhesive left behind. Use warm, soapy water or a mixture of vinegar and water to scrub away the remaining glue.

• Repair Damaged Walls: If the wallpaper removal process caused any damage to the walls, such as gouges or holes, you’ll need to patch them up. Use spackle to fill in any imperfections, then sand the area smooth.

• Prime the Walls: Once the walls are clean and smooth, apply a primer. This will ensure the surface is ready for either a fresh coat of paint or new wallpaper.

By thoroughly cleaning and repairing your walls, you set the stage for a flawless finish in your next decorating project.

Removing wallpaper may seem like a challenging task, but with the right tools, techniques, and preparation, it’s completely manageable. Whether you opt for dry stripping, the water and scraper method, or a wallpaper steamer, the key is to take your time and be patient. By properly assessing your wallpaper type, preparing the room, and following a methodical approach, you can achieve a smooth, clean wall ready for its next transformation.

Taking the time to prepare your walls thoroughly after wallpaper removal is essential for a professional-looking result, whether you plan to paint or apply new wallpaper. With this guide, you now have everything you need to make wallpaper removal a smooth and successful process! InsideOut Painting is here to assist, offering expert guidance and professional services to ensure a seamless wallpaper removal process. Trust us to help transform your space with ease and efficiency.